Optoma HD331080p DLP 3D Home Theater Projector

The HD33 is a simple projector in the best possible way. The HD33 has a tight, laser focus on what really matters--picture quality. It has this in spades.

Picture Quality in 2D. Like the HD20, the HD33 offers great picture quality for 2D theater in both standard and high definition. Dynamic range is solid, with sparkling highlights and black level comparable to the competition in this price range. Color is vibrant and saturated, and grayscale tracking is already close to the ideal 6500K straight out of the box. Some fine-tuning can coax additional performance out of the projector should you desire, and the end result is near perfect 6500K across the board. Detail clarity is superb, though the projector shows some signs of digital noise and DLP dithering that can detract from the otherwise natural feel of the image. This noise is especially evident in large swathes of solid color, such as a sky. That said, noise was no worse than other projectors in this price range; all of them show digital noise to some degree.

Picture Quality in 3D. Everything that is true of the HD33 in 2D is equally true in 3D. If anything, the 3D glasses help the projector's black level appear even deeper, which makes the picture look higher in contrast. Highlights, sometimes too bright in 2D, are brought down to a more manageable level due to the glasses. While the glasses reduce the brightness of black and white equally, your mind is fooled into seeing an image that looks higher in contrast due to the better black. The other noteworthy quality is the HD33's near absence of crosstalk. Even in the most difficult scenes, the HD33 did a remarkable job of keeping left-eye and right-eye images separate and distinct. This, more than anything, contributes to the high-quality, professional feel of 3D.

The Optoma HD33 Connection Panel

PureMotion. The HD33 also includes PureMotion, a frame interpolation system used to reduce judder. It has three settings, each more aggressive than the last. There is some digital video effect, more so on the higher settings. This is desirable for live performances and television and less desirable for film. What's more, PureMotion can be activated in 3D, making the 3D picture appear less jerky. This is especially helpful when watching fast action sequences, such as those in Avatar.

RF Glasses. To our knowledge, the HD33 is the first 3D projector to use an RF emitter to sync the glasses to the projector. Radio has several advantages over IR, not the least of which is that it does not require line of sight between emitter and glasses. This means your glasses will never lose sync because you looked too far to one side, or turned your head to talk to a friend, or looked down to find the remote. It is also much simpler to calculate range when using RF glasses, as one does not need to worry about bouncing the image off of the screen or mounting the emitter in an easily visible place. Simply place the emitter next to the projector and it should work just fine, provided the audience is within about 10 meters.

The downside is that the glasses won't turn themselves off unless the projector is no longer displaying 3D, so it can be easy to run down the batteries accidentally. The HD33 comes with the emitter. The glasses are purchased separately and additional pairs cost less than $100. The glasses fit well and have large lenses, so those who already wear glasses should be able to use them without issue.

Reader Comments(75 comments)

Posted Jun 10, 2013 6:11:31 PM

By Mike

I can tell you without a doubt that Epson support is the best I've ever dealt with, bar none. I bought an Epson 8100 and the bulb dimmed at about a year of 4 hours daily "living room" use. I contacted them and they sent a new bulb free, which they should have done (as their bulb life claims were higher). Though not by much if you figure in higher brightness usage. Another year goes by and another bulb wears out. I call them and they send me another bulb! All they asked me was hour used! A year out of warranty! I'll say nothing but good things about Epson any time I'm asked!

Posted Apr 7, 2013 5:44:46 PM

By Edu

This is my last desperate attempt to learn more about their products ... Antero Eduardo Moran'm from Mexico, I'm about to buy the Optoma HD3300 (repaired or rebuilt) because Optoma SUPPLIERS for Mexico said the HD33 and HD3300 already been discontinued ... How real is that?, If so ... HD3300 could only buy the second hand ... Why no reviews of the HD3300 projector? I've come to think that went defective and wants optoma disappear from the planet ... Please help me not to do ...

Optoma? Going to get new projectors for games and 3d full hd and come to Mexico and when? Are the new ones are much better than dh33 or might even not separated much? ...

Thanks for your time and I look forward to your e mail responses (an apology for my bad English ... I am using the google translator

Posted Aug 5, 2012 6:55:07 AM

By Beechy

Posted Jul 26, 2012 8:20:25 AM

By daniel isaac

please i just want to know ,some important issues about 3D connection. i actually connect ,one mini home cinema theater, initially it showed 3D but wile i on the system again it stop to show please i need to update how to configure it thanks ,i have the glasses the 3D glasses. please hope to hear from you

Posted Jul 25, 2012 11:38:52 AM

By Greg

Initially I had the Epson Powerlite 5010. I had a lemon and tried to contact Epson for exchange. They gave me a lot of trouble because I bought from Ebay. They said it is considered a 3rd party and will not honor it even though it was brand new with warranty card. Epson customer relation sucks. I returned it and after reading the excellent review of this Optoma HD33 I decided to go with it.

Wow I was aesthetic with the quality for half the price of the Epson 5010. The DLP image seems sharper and very bright(standard) then the LCD's.The HD33 is quiter then Epson 5010 too. The best part is half the price of the Epson. This is the cheapest 3D in the market.

I was really blown away. my friends said movies projected seems better then movie theater's. I am so pleased. I would recommend the HD3300 as it comes with 3 years warranty including the bulb. This model only 1 year warranty but $300 cheaper. I highly recommend this. You will not regret.

Posted May 17, 2012 5:33:31 AM

By Tanmay Mishra

Need Help .... Recently I bought Optoma HD33 3d projector with panasonic DMP-BDT220 3d bluray player. But I am facing a major issue, As my projector is not detecting the player when connecting through HDMI but it find it easily when connected through any other port ( RCA, component, S-video). To test projector I connected it my laptop, desktop, samsung galaxy s2, TV set top box through hdmi port and it worked fine for all. Then I connected the player to my LG HDTV (not 3d) through HDMI and that also worked without any problem.

Please let me know what is wrong between projector and the player and how to resolve it. Seems like some kind of handshake issue.

Posted Apr 8, 2012 2:17:17 PM

By Paul

I'm planning to upgrade to a 3D HD projector. My boys say I need a screen with silver in it. What exactly are the screen requirements for 3D? I want to be sure to get one that will maximize my visual experience.

Posted Apr 5, 2012 12:42:55 PM

By Frank

I've never seen this rainbow effect on my HD66 that people keep mentioning. Could it be because I only use in for watching movies in a theater room with little ambient light. P.S. Have loved it for many years, now looking for a PJ with horizontal keystone correction.

Posted Apr 4, 2012 4:25:57 PM

By Illrigger

Joseph - no, passive glasses use an entirely different method to display 3D images than active devices like the HD33.

Think of it this way - passive devices play both 3D frames at the same time, and the glasses filter them so each of your eyes see only one of them. Active devices play one frame at a time (extremely quickly), and the glasses turn on and off quickly so each of your eyes only see the frame they need to.

Posted Mar 12, 2012 12:02:45 PM

By Joseph

I have a question.Is there any way to watch a 3d movie with passive glasses using optoma hd33? I know for the optoma hd33 we need a 3d-rf rechargeable glasses(active glasses).But ,Is there any passive 3d glasses working with it? Thanks

Posted Feb 29, 2012 10:57:45 PM

By Mike

Just got hd66 and Rainbow effect is pissing me off- tried plenty of setting tweaks and its just getting worse- so as of now its going back to B&h photo and I was thinking on getting HD33- does it have the same rainbow problem? Besides 3D and 1080p hd33 vs hd66 has better colors and black?3

Posted Feb 25, 2012 7:15:03 PM

By palavering

Posted Feb 12, 2012 4:36:41 PM

By Joao

Hello, I recently buyed an hd 33 and he cant connect to my ps3 at 1080p...he only connects in 1080i and wont detect the ps3 3d... My hdmi cable is 1.4....what can i do for him to r ecognize the ps3 at 1080p and to activate the ps3 3d!!! Thanks

Posted Jan 21, 2012 12:42:35 PM

By JeffH

I just got the HD33CA from Costco.ca. Great deal because it came with two glasses and is on sale at the moment with $250 off. Projector replaced the HD72 - It is beautiful! Picture is great - noise is low - 3D works once you figure it out. I highly recommend this projector. Costco also extends warranty to 2 years.

Posted Jan 18, 2012 2:31:47 AM

By sskale

I am planning to go with the uk version of HD33( Puremotion4+10000:1 contrast). i want to go for 150" Diagonal 16:9 screen , I have the placement facilities for projector(floor or book shelf placing by trial and error), and screen ( ceiling mount), and have the distance to project. My question is if i watch movies with light off, and very little fugitive ambient light, will the 1800 Lumens for 150 screen be enough and how will be BRRIPS(BDRIPS)(4Gig)look(2D or 3D rips) if i connect a WDTV media player .. will the rips be mercilessly exposed on this big screen or with OPTOMA processing make up for it. Thanks..

Posted Jan 16, 2012 6:01:46 PM

By David

I don't think making a passive 3d projector is much more expensive then active 3d. The LG projector is overkill. The added cost would come in purchasing a screen that preserves the polarization of the light. All the projector needs is a single polarizer. There are already third party devices on the market to convert projectors from active to passive 3d such as Tru3d. I already own an LG 55LW6500 LED panel and after watching passive 3d I will never go with active 3d again. Perhpas the price of the LG is more reflective of engineering overkill and a thin market than the actual cost to produce the projector.

Posted Jan 8, 2012 5:40:56 PM

By Dave

I enjoy your informative reviews. My question: in your opinion, how much better (if at all) is the Sharp XV 17000 compared to the HD 33? I am only interested in 3D, as I will continue to use my Sharp XV 20000 for 2D. Bottom line: is the Sharp 17000 worth the extra money compared to the Optoma HD 33?

Posted Dec 31, 2011 5:15:02 PM

By Ken

Ive read the questions and reviews... I find this very helpful... I currently have an optima 2D and was just waiting for the 3D price to become affordable.. I'm ready to but the HD33 Optima... Without hesitation! Thanks

Posted Dec 16, 2011 5:19:22 PM

By Jonathan

Since this HD33 and the Epson 8350 are similar prices (this is $200 more than the Epson 8350, and I don't care much about 3d?!?! Which projector would you choose? It does appear ProjectorCentral likes the 8350 over the Optima HD20.

Posted Dec 8, 2011 7:56:56 PM

By Rod

I'm trying to decide on a screen to go with this projector. Size isn't really the issue as the room it will be in is 14'w x 30'l x 8'h, however I'm wondering about two things: 1) is there a difference between a so-called '3D Ready' screen vs one that doesn't have that in the product description and 2) 'Reference' vs a non-reference screen. Is the picture that much better for 2 or 3x the price? Any recommendations?

Posted Nov 25, 2011 10:17:48 AM

By RobB

I wish there were some metric for rainbow effect and black levels. I had to return the BENQ6000W due to rainbows even though I seldom see them on my well-worn Infocus 4805SP. Probably the 2x brightness and increased constrast made them more visible. In any case I am considering the HD33 but I am afraid it too will have rainbows. It sounds like it has fewer but other web sites claims that they are still visible.

Posted Nov 20, 2011 12:49:05 AM

By David S

According to Optoma's website, the HD33 does support side-by-side and top-bottom 3D WITHOUT a separate box like the 3D-XL. It says, quoted from website: "The projector supports all HDMI 1.4a mandatory 3D formats, side-by-side format and top and bottom format to allow users easy hook up with peripherals that can deliver 3D content. As a full 1080p, it supports all 1080 p formats natively without needing an Optoma 3D-XL box converter box. As with all 3D displays, a 3D source (such as a 3D Blu-ray player or gaming system), 3D content and 3D glasses are required for 3D viewing."

Posted Oct 28, 2011 4:21:03 AM

By sonic debauchery

Posted Oct 27, 2011 8:23:09 AM

By Eric Kline

These active 3D projectors work alternating the image between what your left eye sees and what your right eye sees. The glasses black out each eye in sync with the projector changing images. Your eye and brain average out the on/off brightness, so at best the image only looks 50% as bright as it would without 3D glasses. In reality, the synchronization can't be perfect, the on/off switch takes a small amount of time so each eye is off a little more than 50% of the time. So you will probably only get 30-40% of the brightness when watching 3D. If you measure the screen you won't see the difference, unless you measure it through the glasses. Even passive systems still lose over half the brightness, because the polarized lens cut out over 50% of the light.

Posted Oct 16, 2011 3:59:07 PM

By milani

hi when i visited amazon Germany website i found there is different between the American model and the Germany model such as the Dynamic Contrast 10000 in the Germany but 4000 for the American and Fluid 24p motion made ultra-smooth with PureMotion4 in the Germany is there any other differences i think the Germany is better

Posted Oct 9, 2011 4:57:05 PM

By chachanyc

im thinking about buying the hd33 but currently i have a 1.8 gain screen and was worried that it was too high of contrast considering reviews that state i need a negative contrast screen for this projector Can u clarify this for me?

Posted Oct 8, 2011 6:22:42 AM

By Rich

Bill, one quick clarification - you mentioned in one of your responses that PC 3d and hdmi 1.4 3d are not possible without an adapter box - that is not correct, actually. Both ATI and Nvidia fully support directly outputting hdmi from a PC for movies or for games.

Nvidia I believe requires a 240 or higher (though keep in mind 3d gaming requires about twice the capability from the card), and ATI requires one of their 6xxx series cards. And of course the card must have an HDMI port.

So long as those requirements are met, you can do the following:

Assuming you have a bluray drive, bluray 3d plays from Cyberlink PowerDVD or Arcsoft TotalMediaTheatre to hdmi 1.4 via ATI card with no additional software (Nvidia requires the 3dtv play software).

90%+ games can operate in 3d using tridef or iz3d on an ATI card or using 3dtv play on an nvidia card.

The down side is that you have to make a tradeoff in reference to resolution vs framerate; since 3d over hdmi 1.4 does not support 1080p@60hz, you have to either run at 24hz or drop to 720p for 60hz.

Posted Oct 7, 2011 9:02:39 AM

By jamie

Thanks for the answer Bill. I didn't think my question about potential 3d lumen light reduction in 3d mode was silly but maybe it was. Some of this stuff is very new to me. It was based on my reading of a number of reviews, including the review by Jeff Janis of the Acer 5360h, noting a significant lumen reduction when switching to 3d mode. According to the review, that projector measures at 2169 in normal mode and gets reduced to 698 in 3d. I guess I was just wondering if i could expect the same from the HD33. So given your answer, is there no drop off in brightness on the HD33 when you make the switch to 3d...thanks

Posted Sep 29, 2011 11:30:29 AM

By Dan

I currently have a panasonic pt-ax200u 720p projector, while it is not a full 1080p projector it does a good job for me in 2D. My question is this, would the HD33 be an upgrade in picture quality in comparison to the pt-ax200u in 2D?

Posted Sep 26, 2011 4:25:01 PM

By Bill Livolsi

Wow, a lot of comments! Thank you everyone for reading the article. I hope you enjoyed it.

I'll try to reply to all of you; my apologies if I miss someone.

Rick - no, we never had anything like that happen. Have you contacted Optoma support?

jamie - The projector is 100% 1080p. Lumens in 3D mode did not significantly differ from lumens in the other modes, and since you're never actually watching 3D mode without the glasses, we thought it was a silly measurement to include. I can go look through my notes if you'd like but it's around 900.

Lcoangeli - the HD3300 is an HD33 with ISF options, sold through authorized resellers and custom installers. As for your other question, you're sort of out of luck--the HD33 will do HDMI 1.4 3D but not PC 3D, while the GT750 will do PC 3D but not HDMI 1.4 3D. To do both, you'd need a projector like the GT750 plus an adapter box like Optoma's 3D-XL.

Luis - I answered Ken's question below, and then again to Lcoangeli. Actually, most of my answer to Lcoangeli applies to you; right now you can't do PC 3D and HDMI 1.4 3D on the same projector without some sort of adapter box.

Eric - passive 3D on projectors costs a lot more than you'd think, which is why you don't see it much. To my knowledge the only one around is the big LG dual-engine 3D machine from last year, and it was very large, very cumbersome, and image quality was not up to snuff for home theater. You can build your own passive system using polarizers and two projectors, but not many people do this now that prices on active-shutter 3D projectors are so low.

Regis - you'll be sacrificing some black level. You also lose the Epson 8350's excellent zoom and lens shift. As far as actual image quality, though, you don't lose much.

Pedram - MSRP is $2999; MAP is $1499. These two numbers often differ. Just to be sure, though, I have contacted Optoma to ask for a clarification. If we have made an error, it will be corrected.

Echeva - the HD33 is miles ahead of the HD67 on crosstalk.

EC Toy - That's all you need. Enjoy.

Posted Sep 24, 2011 3:27:24 PM

By Ch123

Posted Sep 23, 2011 8:05:20 PM

By EC Toy

I am new to projector, just ordered the HD33 and 2 glasses, going to project to a 120 diagonal screen. With good HDMI cable that claims support 3D and also 3D blu-ray player, is that all I need to watch the 3d movies? Do I need to purchase anything extra, or do any updates?

Posted Sep 21, 2011 11:26:12 AM

By Bugnguts

@ willdao Unfortunately it is only 1080i at 60Hz otherwise the fastest 1080p is 24hz. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI and a Tomshardware article done on AMD's open 3D gaming features. Some graphic cards have display port options but no consumer 3D projectors have them. Nvidia reaches 120hz by using two DVI, but I am lucky if a projector has 1 DVI cable. What I would love to do is create a circular screen and by tweaking the ini files make the image come out walleyed on a standard screen but fit the wrap around screen. My own 3D imax Oblivion or Skyrim to get lost in..mmmmmm

Posted Sep 19, 2011 12:28:36 AM

By Echeva

I'm very sensitive to crosstalk. Currently I own an Optoma h67 which also has virtually no crosstalk, though it has uncomfortable rainbow effect. How does hd33 compare with respect to crosstalk?, the review says virtually none, is it as non-existent, as the one in hd67?

Posted Sep 15, 2011 8:47:57 PM

By Matt

Anyone know of a good dealer that would easily handle returns if I don't like it? I'm really tempted to pull the trigger on this, but I'd like to see it in my own home with my own eyes before I'm married to it.

Posted Sep 14, 2011 2:22:27 PM

By BANet

Received my HD33 today. Did a quick test session and I have to say this thing is phenomenal out of the box! I can't wait to get it fully hooked up and calibrated for my room so I can watch Star Wars this weekend. Perfect timing.

Posted Sep 6, 2011 1:33:10 PM

By Regis

Hi There: my heart was pretty much set on getting a Epson Home Cinema 8350 until I stumbled upon this review. I certainly don't mind paying the extra $$ for the Optoma in order to get 3D capability, but will I be giving up too much on quality on the 2D side of things? Anyone may have some insight? Thanks in advance!

Posted Sep 6, 2011 9:10:24 AM

By Eric

Thank you for the the excellent reviews. No magazine, including Consumer Reports, provides the amount of unbiased info that you do! Does this, or any (lower priced)3d front projector use passive glasses? Library/Park District use would require very inexpensive glasses, cardboard framed polarized would be ideal.

Posted Sep 1, 2011 1:37:51 PM

By BANet

Just purchased the HD33 based on the reviews. I'm going to be running it on a 110" diagonal screen. I'm not even ready for 3D applications yet, but for this low price, I might as well get it now. Visual Apex is also selling the RF glasses for $79 (vice $99 advertised). Just FYI.

Posted Sep 1, 2011 12:12:11 PM

By Luis

I really love the reviews here, it helps a lot to protect our money and choose more wisely when buying these expensive equipments.

I have the same question as Ken, What significant differences are between the HD33 and HD3300 other than the price.

I was almost to submit a pre-order for a GT750E because it has more lumens and short throw but placed it on hold. Is it worthy of paying $700 aditional for the HD33 ($1499) instead of $799 for the GT750?

My primary use for it will be 3D gaming (from console and PC's), also as home teather with Blueray's and HD satellite programming.

Bill please give me some feedback on this!!! I am a rookie :-) I already have a screen with 1.3 in Gain (120" 4:3 format), my setup will be wide screen although I may have to shrink it to fit 108" of 16:9 format more or less. I have some trouble to control ambient light during the day and the projector will be installed on the ceiling with a mount extended 10" down.

I like better the new feature in the HD33 and 3300 for RF glasses than the DLP Link setup used by the GT750.

Is the warranty for the more expensive models (HD33 and HD3300) three years? For that price range ($1499-1999) I think is a must!!

regards

Posted Sep 1, 2011 7:23:13 AM

By Lcoangeli

I was asking the same thing myself, Which are differences between HD33 and HD3300 other than the price?

I was almost to pre-order the GT750E because it has more lumens and short throw, Is it worth paying the $700 difference to get the HD33 ($1499) instead of the GT750 ($799)? I have the budget, but want to be sure of the correct item for my needs (that is: Console and PC 3D gaming, Home theater from Blueray and HD satellite service).

I really like the new feature for RF glasses on HD33 and 3300, I understand the GT only supports DLP Link glasses. Honestly for $1499, I would expect a three year warranty at least!!

PCentral you are the best; Love reading your reviews, it really help us to get the best for our money. Regards Luis

Posted Aug 31, 2011 12:55:28 PM

By jamie

Thanks or your review. Good work. I do have a quick question tough:I thought that when I first saw this projector on the Optoma website that the 3d mode was 720p...can you clear up if both the 2d and 3d modes are in 1080p? Also, did you do a lumens measurement in 3d mode? Thanks

Posted Aug 30, 2011 8:04:21 PM

By WellyWell

can't wait to get mine. I am really looking forward to this purchase. I was looking at the Panny and possibly the new Mits thats coming out but I think at this price point and the PQ review this just can't be passed up! Ordering this tomorrow. Hope it ships quick. Enjoy

Posted Aug 29, 2011 6:33:47 PM

By willdao

Posted Aug 29, 2011 1:03:50 PM

By Rick

I just received my HD33 on Saturday and picture looks amazing, but I am having a strange issue with it. I watched several movies and afterwards was unable to get it to respond the the remote or to the power button on the back. Video was still being played via HDMI but the projector was basically locked up. Thus has happen twice.

Posted Aug 29, 2011 8:58:15 AM

By Bill Livolsi

Ken - the HD3300 is ISF Certified, so you can adjust gamut and have additional calibration options. It is also sold through authorized vendors instead of the HD33's open distribution model.

polkfarmboy - Projectors as a general rule do not dim in 3D mode. What happens is that the glasses make the projector appear much less bright than in 2D, though the projector is producing just as much light if not more. The dimming is a function of the glasses, not the lamp.

Luis - no 2D-3D conversion. If that's something you're after, they now make Blu-ray players that will do it for you.

Posted Aug 26, 2011 8:59:55 PM

By Bugnguts

Great job Optoma. I hope this will bring down the price of 3d projection, but I really would like to try gaming in 3d. Unfortunately HDMI 1.4 cannot handle the 1080 at 60Hz plus. So until display port or something with higher bandwidth is supported I can't justify the leap.

Posted Aug 26, 2011 6:49:10 AM

By Didier

Posted Aug 25, 2011 7:48:47 PM

By user

Great review ! could you clarify that you get one pair of RF glasses with purchase of this projector ?

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